Physician suicide in Taiwan, 2000-2008: Preliminary findings
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
108
Journal Issue
4
Pages
328-332
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Pan Y.-J.
MING-BEEN LEE
Lin C.-S.
Abstract
Research regarding physician suicide in Taiwan is lacking. Using national physician insurance data from January 1, 2000 to April 30, 2008, the present study aimed to explore the association between physicians' suicide and their characteristics, including age, sex, specialties, area of residence, hospital types, and suicide methods. The majority (53.1-70.6%) of suicide cases occurred among physicians in their 40s. More suicides were reported among physicians serving in the community, living in urban areas, and from specialties such as general practice, family practice, psychiatry, and surgery. The leading suicide methods were hanging/suffocation, drowning, jumping from heights, charcoal burning and drug poisoning. In conclusion, physicians committing suicide were likely to be in their 40s, to serve in the community and to live in urban areas. Future efforts should focus on exploring the causes and possible interventions for physician suicide. ? 2009 Elsevier & Formosan Medical Association.
Subjects
Cause of death; Community; Occupation; Physician; Suicide
Other Subjects
adult; age; aged; article; asphyxia; burn; drowning; drug intoxication; female; gender; general practice; general surgery; hanging; human; jumping; major clinical study; male; medicine; physician; psychiatry; suicide; Taiwan; urban area
Type
journal article